Police arrest six in Pasadena protest

PASADENA - Six people were arrested Wednesday night after several protesters and police clashed outside the Civic Center.

Lt. Pete Hettema said some officers were hit in the back of the heads by protesters who also threw things at the police.

The incident started at 8 p.m.

He estimated there were between 50 to 100 people protesting outside the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at 300 East Green St. where former Mexican President Vicente Fox was speaking as part of the Distinguished Speaker series.

Police believe the group was protesting Fox's presence. But Occupy supporters posted tweets describing the people arrested as "foreclosure resisters". One tweet said the people were on their way to a Zapatista movie screening.

Hettema said the protesters pushed towards the auditorium. A woman broke through and was detained. Others then clashed with the police, he added.

Arrested on suspicion of assaulting an officer were Alejandro Torres, 22, of San Pedro, Ulises Hernandez, 21, of Van Nuys, Benjamin Torres, 29, of Pasadena and Christopher Wohlers, 23, of Long Beach. Two other protesters, Dara Glanzer, 22, of Pasadena and Brian Connely, 36, of Pasadena, were arrested on suspicion of inciting a riot and were later cited out, police said.

Hettema said no officer was taken to a hospital but one of the suspects was treated. During the booking, Hettema said the man claimed he was dizzy.